Manele Wins Solomon Islands PM in Secret Ballot, Strengthens China Ties

May 2, 2024, 02:05 AM

Jeremiah Manele, previously serving as the Foreign Minister of Solomon Islands, has been elected as the new Prime Minister through a secret ballot held on Thursday. This election, reinforcing the Pacific nation's ties with China, was contested by Manele and an opposition leader who aimed to curb Beijing's reach. The decision highlights a continued pro-China stance in the island's foreign policy amid growing Chinese influence in the region.